Aside | Formats | Daily Encouragement

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” (1 Peter 4:16, NIV)

All humanity suffers, but to suffer “as a Christian” requires a perspective and a commitment that most people will not comprehend.

Bearers of “that name” love their enemies; pray for their persecutors; forgive those who have, in the words of the Lord’s Prayer, “trespassed against us” — and most observers will consider such behavior naive, outrageous, or both.

Some years ago, the world thought it both naive and outrageous for God to enter our world as a not only a child, but a poor child; and to leave it in disgrace on a cross. Faithful discipleship will always confound the world, but it delights our heavenly Father because it reflects His nature in us. – Luther

Tagged book of 1 Peter, suffering, the Incarnation

December 17

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Uncategorized Aside

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” (1 Peter 4:7, NIV)

The end of all things is near, and the evidence is clear: Senseless violence, strife between brothers, the suspension of standards, the erosion of values, the loss of faith. It is about these things — and more — for which the disciple of Jesus prays.

Praying effectively requires alertness and sobriety of mind. The former means that we pay close attention to the things and the people around us; the latter means that we maintain a clear mind at all times.

Just because we do not know the hour or the day of the “end of all things,” does not mean that the end shall never come. We wait, as the rest of the world waits; but the faithful disciple of Jesus both waits and prays. – Luther